Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• contrary
• opposite
• unfavorable
• diametrical
• diametric
• polar
• hostile
• negative
• antipodal
• antagonistic
• adverse
• divergent
• antipodean
• unlike
• counter
• dissimilar
• cross
• disparate
• reverse
• antipathetic
• inverse
• alien
• converse
• unalike
• obverse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antithetical

This history suggests that steep staffing cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs would be antithetical to how the U.S. has cared for veterans for nearly two centuries. — Made By History, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025

According to these indie producers, union minimums and requirements can be antithetical to how certain indie filmmakers work, with minimums and maximums set for work days, set lunch breaks and task designations, not to mention penalties that can be accrued for productions already on tight budgets. —Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2025

Some investors also viewed the plan as antithetical to Bitcoin’s core ethos of decentralization and voluntary participation. —Tonya M. Evans, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025

Musk has done all of this in the name of efficiency, but scientific research is antithetical to unrelenting thrift. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025